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Abstract:

A method and system for adjusting an operation of a wireless
communication device based on information related to at least one of an
operating status of a vehicle system and a weather condition. The method
includes a step of receiving at least one information source related to
an operation status of at least one vehicle system of a motor vehicle.
The method further includes a step of analyzing the information to
determine an ambient moisture condition. The method also includes
adjusting an operating parameter of the wireless communication device and
then operating the wireless communication device according to the
adjusted operating parameter to compensate for attenuation to a wireless
signal caused by the ambient moisture.

Claims:

1. A method for adjusting an operation of a wireless communication device
that communicates with another wireless communication device, comprising
the steps of: receiving information from at least one information source
related to an operation status of at least one vehicle system of a motor
vehicle; analyzing the information to determine an ambient moisture
condition; based on the analysis, adjusting an operating parameter of the
wireless communication device; and operating the wireless communication
device according to the adjusted operating parameter.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the step of adjusting
compensates for attenuation of a wireless signal due to the determined
ambient moisture.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein: the at least one vehicle
system is selected from a group consisting essentially of a windshield
wipers system, a traction control system, an anti-slip system, an
anti-lock brake system, and any combination thereof, and the information
relates to at least one of activation, frequency of activation, and
length of activation of the vehicle system.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein: the step of adjusting
includes adjusting at least one transmitter parameter of the wireless
communication device; and the step of operating includes transmitting a
wireless signal according to the adjusted parameter.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein the at least one transmitter
parameter includes an amplitude and a transmission rate.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the step of adjusting
includes adjusting at least one receiver parameter of the wireless
communication device; and wherein the step of operating includes
receiving a wireless signal according to the adjusted parameter.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the receiver parameter
includes sensitivity and gain.

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein the receiving step further
includes receiving information regarding a weather condition.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the at least one information
source is selected from a group consisting essentially of at least one of
one or more vehicle sensors, a vehicle network, another wireless
communication device, a geographic positioning system, and any
combination thereof.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the one or more vehicle
sensors includes a humidity sensor and a precipitation sensor.

11. The method according to claim 9, further comprising the steps of:
determining a geographic location of the wireless communication device;
and obtaining the information from a data network that corresponds to the
geographic location of the wireless communication device.

12. The method according to claim 1, wherein the wireless communication
device is configured for vehicle-to-vehicle communication.

13. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of: at
least one of transmitting a wireless signal according to the adjusted
parameter to and receiving a wireless signal according to the adjusted
parameter from at least one of a motor vehicle and a roadside unit.

14. A wireless communication system that is configured to communicate
over a vehicle communication network, comprising: a wireless
communication device configured to communicate with another wireless
communication device; an ambient moisture determiner that is configured
to receive information related to an operating status of a system of a
motor vehicle and a weather condition, and to determine an ambient
moisture condition based on the received information; and a wireless
communication controller that is configured to adjust an operating
parameter of the wireless communication device based on a determination
by the ambient moisture determiner.

15. The wireless communication system according to claim 14, wherein the
information is received from at least one of one or more vehicle sensors,
a vehicle network, another wireless communication device, and a
geographic positioning system.

16. The wireless communication system according to claim 14, wherein: the
ambient moisture determiner determines the ambient moisture condition
based on the operating status of the system of the motor vehicle; and the
system is selected from a group consisting essentially of a windshield
wiper status system, a traction control system, an anti-lock braking
system, an anti-slip system, and any combination thereof.

17. The wireless communication system according to claim 14, wherein: the
ambient moisture determiner is configured to communicate with one or more
sensors; the one or more sensors is configured to detect a weather
condition; and the one or more sensors is configured to transmit the
information to the ambient moisture determiner.

18. The wireless communication system according to claim 17, wherein the
one or more sensors include at least one of a precipitation sensor and a
humidity sensor.

19. The wireless communication system according to claim 14, wherein the
wireless communication device is configured to communicate with a vehicle
network of the motor vehicle; and wherein the vehicle network is
configured to transmit the information to the wireless communication
device.

20. The wireless communication system according to claim 14, wherein the
wireless communication device is configured to communicate with a
geographic positioning system configured to determine a geographic
location of the wireless communication device; and wherein the wireless
communication device is configured to communicate with a data network to
obtain the weather condition corresponding to the geographic location.

21. A method for adjusting an operation of a wireless communication
device that is configured to communicate over a vehicle network
communication, comprising the steps of: receiving information from at
least one information source related to at least one of an operating
status of a vehicle system of a motor vehicle and a weather condition;
analyzing the information to determine an ambient moisture condition;
based on the determined ambient moisture condition, adjusting a
transmitter parameter of the wireless communication device; and
transmitting a wireless signal to another wireless communication device
according to the adjusted parameter.

22. The method according to claim 21, wherein the step of adjusting at
least one transmitter parameter compensates for attenuation of the
wireless signal due to the determined ambient moisture condition.

23. The method according to claim 21, wherein the information source is
selected from a group consisting essentially of at least one of one or
more vehicle sensors, a vehicle network, a different wireless
communication device, a geographic positioning system, and a combination
thereof.

24. The method according to claim 23, wherein the one or more vehicle
sensors includes a humidity sensor and a precipitation sensor.

25. The method according to claim 21, further comprising the steps of:
determining a geographic location of the wireless communication device;
and obtaining information regarding the weather condition from a data
network that corresponds to the geographic location of the wireless
communication device.

26. The method according to claim 21, wherein the at least one
transmitter parameter includes an amplitude and a transmission rate.

27. The method according to claim 21, wherein the method further
comprises the step of: adjusting at least one receiver parameter, the at
least one receiver parameter including sensitivity and gain.

28. A method for adjusting an operation of a wireless communication
device that is configured to communicate over a vehicle communication
network, comprising the steps of: receiving information from at least one
information source related to at least one of an operating status of a
vehicle system of a motor vehicle and a weather condition; analyzing the
information to determine an ambient moisture condition; based on the
determined ambient moisture condition, adjusting a receiver parameter of
the wireless communication device; and receiving a wireless signal from
another wireless communication device according to the adjusted
parameter.

29. The method according to claim 28, wherein the step of adjusting at
least one receiver parameter compensates for attenuation of the wireless
signal due to the determined ambient moisture condition.

30. The method according to claim 28, wherein the information source is
selected from a group consisting essentially of at least one of one or
more vehicle sensors, a vehicle network, a different wireless
communication device, a geographic positioning system, and any
combination thereof.

31. The method according to claim 28, wherein the one or more vehicle
sensors includes a humidity sensor and a precipitation sensor.

32. The method according to claim 28, further comprising the steps of:
determining a geographic location of the wireless communication device;
and obtaining information regarding the weather condition from a data
network that corresponds to the geographic location of the wireless
communication device.

Description:

BACKGROUND

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to wireless communication
systems and wireless communication devices that communicate within
wireless communication systems. In particular, the embodiments relate to
methods and systems for improving the performance of wireless
communication devices used in vehicle-to-vehicle and
vehicle-to-infrastructure communications.

[0002] Wireless communication devices have been proposed for use in
vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure communications. In some
situations, the wireless communication devices are exposed to weather
conditions, such as humidity and precipitation, that interfere with the
performance of the data transmission and reception.

SUMMARY

[0003] The term "motor vehicle" as used throughout the specification and
claims refers to any moving vehicle that is capable of carrying one or
more human occupants and is powered by any form of energy. The term
"motor vehicle" includes, but is not limited to: cars, trucks, vans,
minivans, SUVs, motorcycles, scooters, boats, personal watercraft, and
aircraft.

[0004] In some cases, the motor vehicle includes one or more engines. The
term "engine" as used throughout the specification and claims refers to
any device or machine that is capable of converting energy. In some
cases, potential energy is converted to kinetic energy. For example,
energy conversion can include a situation where the chemical potential
energy of a fuel or fuel cell is converted into rotational kinetic energy
or where electrical potential energy is converted into rotational kinetic
energy. Engines can also include provisions for converting kinetic energy
into potential energy. For example, some engines include regenerative
braking systems where kinetic energy from a drivetrain is converted into
potential energy. Engines can also include devices that convert solar or
nuclear energy into another form of energy. Some examples of engines
include, but are not limited to: internal combustion engines, electric
motors, solar energy converters, turbines, nuclear power plants, and
hybrid systems that combine two or more different types of energy
conversion processes.

[0005] One embodiment provides a method for adjusting an operation of a
wireless communication device that communicates with another wireless
communication device. The method may include the steps of: receiving
information from at least one information source related to an operation
status of at least one vehicle system of a motor vehicle; analyzing the
information to determine an ambient moisture condition; based on the
analysis, adjusting an operating parameter of the wireless communication
device; and operating the wireless communication device according to the
adjusted operating parameter.

[0006] Another embodiment provides a wireless communication system that is
configured to communicate over a vehicle communication network. The
wireless communication device may include: a wireless communication
device configured to communicate with another wireless communication
device; an ambient moisture determiner that is configured to receive
information related to an operating status of a system of a motor vehicle
and a weather condition, and to determine an ambient moisture condition
based on the received information; and a wireless communication
controller that is configured to adjust an operating parameter of the
wireless communication device based on a determination by the ambient
moisture determiner.

[0007] Another communication device that is configured to communicate over
a vehicle network communication. In one aspect, the method may include
the following steps: receiving information from at least one information
source related to at least one of an operating status of a vehicle system
of a motor vehicle and a weather condition; analyzing the information to
determine an ambient moisture condition; based on the determined ambient
moisture condition, adjusting a transmitter parameter of the wireless
communication device; and transmitting a wireless signal to another
wireless communication device according to the adjusted parameter. In
another aspect the method may include the following steps: receiving
information from at least one information source related to at least one
of an operating status of a vehicle system of a motor vehicle and a
weather condition; analyzing the information to determine an ambient
moisture condition; based on the determined ambient moisture condition,
adjusting a receiver parameter of the wireless communication device; and
receiving a wireless signal from another wireless communication device
according to the adjusted parameter.

[0008] Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the invention
will be, or will become, apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art
upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is
intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and
advantages be included within this description and this summary, be
within the scope of the invention, and be protected by the following
claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The invention can be better understood with reference to the
following drawings and descriptions. The components in the figures are
not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating
the principles of the invention. Moreover, in the figures, like reference
numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an embodiment of a communication
system for a plurality of motor vehicles;

[0011]FIG. 2 is a schematic view of an embodiment of a communication
system in a motor vehicle;

[0012]FIG. 3 is a schematic view of an embodiment of a communication
between motor vehicles during a low ambient moisture condition;

[0013]FIG. 4 is a schematic view of an embodiment of a communication
between motor vehicles during a high ambient moisture condition;

[0014]FIG. 5 is a schematic view of an embodiment of a communication
between motor vehicles during a high ambient moisture condition;

[0015] FIG. 6 is a schematic view of an embodiment of a communication
between motor vehicles during a high ambient moisture condition;

[0016]FIG. 7 is a schematic view of an embodiment of a communication
between motor vehicles during a high ambient moisture condition;

[0017] FIG. 8 is a schematic view of an embodiment of a communication
between motor vehicles during a high ambient moisture condition;

[0018]FIG. 9 is an embodiment of a process for adjusting operating
parameters of a wireless communication device based on determined ambient
moisture; and

[0019] FIG. 10 is a schematic view of an embodiment of a system for
determining ambient moisture and adjusting operating parameters of a
wireless communication device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an embodiment of communication system
100 for motor vehicle 102. For purposes of clarity, only some components
of a motor vehicle may be shown. Furthermore, in other embodiments,
additional components may be added or removed. Communication system 100
may include provisions for communicating various kinds of information
between motor vehicle 102 and any other remote source capable of
exchanging information including, but not limited to: remote vehicles,
infrastructure units, such as roadside units, as well as other remote
sources. Communication system 100 may be used with one or more systems of
a motor vehicle. In some embodiments, communication system may receive
location information from other vehicles or other roadside units. In
other embodiments, communication system 100 may be used with a vehicle
safety system. Examples of vehicle safety systems include collision
warning systems, lane departure warning systems as well as other types of
safety systems. For example, a collision warning system may be configured
to receive information from remote vehicles using communication system
100 to determine the locations of other vehicles and to provide alerts to
a driver of any potential collisions.

[0021] In some embodiments, provisions may be included that permit a
vehicle to communicate with another vehicle and/or roadside unit. Motor
vehicle 102 may communicate with one or more remote vehicles. In one
embodiment, communication system 100 associated with motor vehicle 102
may communicate with a remote communication system 104 associated with a
remote vehicle 106. Communication system 100 and remote communication
system 104 may be configured to exchange vehicle data associated with
motor vehicle 102 and remote vehicle 106. Vehicle data that may be
exchanged may include, but is not limited to: speed, location, heading,
acceleration, brake status, and other vehicle information. In different
embodiments, motor vehicle 102 may communicate with any number of remote
communication systems associated with remote vehicles using communication
system 100.

[0022]FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a communication
system associated with a motor vehicle. In this embodiment, communication
system 100 associated with motor vehicle 102 is illustrated. It should be
understood, however, that communication systems may be provided in other
vehicles, including one or more remote communication systems associated
with one or more remote vehicles, having a similar arrangement as
communication system 100. In other embodiments, communication systems
associated with other vehicles may include different elements and/or
arrangements as communication system 100, but may be configured to
communicate over communication networks with one or more communication
systems having a similar arrangement as communication system 100.

[0023] Motor vehicle 102 may include provisions for receiving navigation
information. The term "navigation information" refers to any information
that can be used to assist in determining a location or providing
directions to a location. Some examples of navigation information include
street addresses, street names, street or address numbers, apartment or
suite numbers, intersection information, points of interest, parks, any
political or geographical subdivision including town, township, province,
prefecture, city, state, district, ZIP or postal code, and country.
Navigation information may also include commercial information including
business and restaurant names, commercial districts, shopping centers,
and parking facilities. Navigation information may also include
geographical information, including information obtained from any Global
Navigational Satellite System (GNSS), including Global Positioning System
or Satellite (GPS), Glonass (Russian) and/or Galileo (European). The term
"GPS" is used to denote any global navigational satellite system.
Navigation information may include one item of information, as well as a
combination of several items of information.

[0024] Motor vehicle 102 may include provisions for receiving GPS
information. In some embodiments, motor vehicle 102 may include GPS
receiver 110. In an exemplary embodiment, GPS receiver 110 may be used
for gathering GPS information for use by any systems of a motor vehicle,
including, but not limited to: GPS based navigation systems. In some
embodiments, GPS receiver 110 may be used for gathering additional
information associated with motor vehicle 102. In an exemplary
embodiment, GPS receiver 110 may provide vehicle data, including, but not
limited to: speed, location, heading, acceleration, and other dynamic
vehicle information.

[0025] Motor vehicle 102 may include provisions for powering one or more
devices. In some cases, motor vehicle 102 may include power supply 112.
Generally, power supply 112 may be any type of power supply associated
with a motor vehicle. In some cases, power supply 112 may be a car
battery and/or an alternator. In other cases, power supply 112 may be
another type of power supply available within motor vehicle 102. Although
power supply 112 is shown as connected to some components of motor
vehicle 102 in the current embodiment, it will be understood that in
other embodiments, additional components may be connected to power supply
112. In still other cases, some components that are shown as connected to
power supply 112 may not be connected to power supply 112.

[0026] Motor vehicle 102 may include provisions for communicating with a
driver. In some embodiments, motor vehicle 102 may include a driver
vehicle interface 114. In some cases, driver vehicle interface 114 may
include provisions for transmitting information to a driver and/or
passenger. In other cases, driver vehicle interface 114 may include
provisions for receiving information from a driver and/or passenger. In
an exemplary embodiment, driver vehicle interface 114 may include
provisions for transmitting and receiving information from a driver
and/or passenger. In one embodiment, driver vehicle interface 114 may
include audio and/or visual components for transmitting and receiving
information from a driver and/or passenger, including, but not limited to
one or more of a display, touchscreen, keyboard, speakers, microphone,
and other input and/or output devices using text, graphics, icons, voice
recognition, sound, speech, and other audio and/or visual indicators.

[0027] Motor vehicle 102 may include provisions for communicating, and in
some cases controlling, the various components associated with motor
vehicle 102. In some embodiments, motor vehicle 102 may be associated
with a computer or similar device. In the current embodiment, motor
vehicle 102 may include electronic control unit 120, hereby referred to
as ECU 120. In one embodiment, ECU 120 may be configured to communicate
with, and/or control, various components of motor vehicle 102. In
addition, in some embodiments, ECU 120 may be configured to control
additional components of a motor vehicle that are not shown.

[0028] ECU 120 may include a number of ports that facilitate the input and
output of information and power. The term "port" as used throughout this
detailed description and in the claims refers to any interface or shared
boundary between two conductors. In some cases, ports may facilitate the
insertion and removal of conductors. Examples of these types of ports
include mechanical connectors. In other cases, ports are interfaces that
generally do not provide easy insertion or removal. Examples of these
types of ports include soldering or electron traces on circuit boards.

[0029] All of the following ports and provisions associated with ECU 120
are optional. Some embodiments may include a given port or provision,
while others may exclude it. The following description discloses many of
the possible ports and provisions that may be used, however, it should be
kept in mind that not every port or provision must be used or included in
a given embodiment.

[0030] In some embodiments, ECU 120 may include port 121 for communicating
with GPS receiver 110. In particular, ECU 120 may be configured to
receive GPS information and/or vehicle data from GPS receiver 110. In
addition, ECU 120 may include port 122 for receiving power from power
supply 112. Also, ECU 120 may include port 123 for communicating with
driver vehicle interface 114. In particular, ECU 120 may be configured to
transmit information to driver vehicle interface 114, as well as to
receive information from driver vehicle interface 114.

[0031] A motor vehicle may include provisions for communicating with one
or more vehicles using a vehicle communication network. The term "vehicle
communication network" as used throughout this detailed description and
in the claims refers to any network utilizing motor vehicles and roadside
units as nodes. Vehicle communication networks may be used for exchanging
various types of information between motor vehicles and/or roadside
units. An example of such a vehicle communication network is a dedicated
short range communication (DSRC) network. In some cases, DSRC networks
may be configured to operate in the 5.9 GHz band with bandwidth of
approximately 75 MHz. Furthermore, DSRC networks may have a range of up
to approximately 1000 m.

[0032] In some embodiments, ECU 120 may include port 125 that is
configured to communicate with one or more wireless communication
devices. The one or more wireless communication devices may be DSRC
devices. In an exemplary embodiment, port 125 may be associated with
wireless communication device 130 that is configured to transmit and/or
receive vehicle data and/or other vehicle information over one or more
vehicle communication networks. Wireless communication device 130 may be
an antenna. Wireless communication device 130 may be a DSRC antenna or
any other type of antenna that is configured to transmit vehicle data
and/or other vehicle information over vehicle communication networks.
Wireless communication device 130 may be a mobile antenna or a stationary
antenna. Although wireless communication device 130 is shown as being
disposed on the roof of motor vehicle 102, it will be understood that in
other embodiments, wireless communication device 130 may be placed
anywhere on or within the motor vehicle.

[0033] Motor vehicle 102 may include provisions for communicating with one
or more components of a motor vehicle that are associated directly, or
indirectly, with motor vehicle 102. In some cases, ECU 120 may include
additional ports for communicating directly with one or more additional
devices of a motor vehicle, including various sensors or systems of the
motor vehicle. In an exemplary embodiment, ECU 120 may include port 124
for communicating with vehicle network 140. By providing communication
between ECU 120 and vehicle network 140, ECU 120 may have access to
additional information concerning motor vehicle 102. For instance, in
some cases, ECU 120 may be configured to receive information related to
various operating conditions of a motor vehicle. Examples of information
related to operating conditions that may be received via vehicle network
140 include, but are not limited to: vehicle speed, vehicle acceleration,
engine speed, brake status, windshield wiper operation status, traction
control operation status, anti-lock brake operation status, anti-slip
operation status, as well as other parameters associated with the
operating condition of motor vehicle 102.

[0034] In other embodiments, ECU 120 may include provisions for
communicating directly with a source of information associated with motor
vehicle 102. In one embodiment, for example, ECU 120 may include port 126
for communicating with information source 150. Although ECU 120 is shown
as communicating with information source 150 in the current embodiment,
it will be understood that in other embodiments, additional information
sources may communicate with ECU 120.

[0035] In some embodiments, information provided by information source 150
may be related to various operating conditions, such as the examples
discussed above with respect to vehicle network 140. In other
embodiments, information may be related to the weather condition
surrounding motor vehicle 102.

[0036] Throughout this detailed discussion and in the claims, the term
"weather condition" refers to the state of the atmosphere surrounding
motor vehicle 102. The term "weather condition" includes, but, is not
limited to temperature and moisture condition of the surrounding
atmosphere. Weather condition may be associated with presence or lack of
presence of a moisture condition. Moisture condition (also referred to as
"ambient moisture condition") may be any water-based precipitation or
phenomena. Ambient moisture condition may include liquid, gaseous, and
solid water-based precipitation or phenomena. Examples of water-based
precipitation or phenomena may include, but is not limited to: rain, dew,
condensation, humidity, steam, fog, ice, sleet, hail, and snow.

[0037] In some embodiments, information source 150 may include a sensor
that may directly communicate information related to the weather
condition. In other embodiments, information source 150 may include a
vehicle system of motor vehicle 102 that may communicate information
related to the operating condition of that vehicle system from which the
weather condition can be indirectly inferred. In further embodiments,
information source 150 may be modified to provide additional or
alternative information as desired.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 2, ECU 120 may communicate with more than one
information source 150, information sources 151-157. Although ECU 120 is
shown as communicating with information sources 151-157 in the current
embodiment, it will be understood that information source 150 is
optional. Information source 150 may include any one or combination of
information sources 151-156. In other embodiments, information source 150
may be modified to include alternative or additional information sources
157 that are suitable for the information desired.

[0039] In some embodiments, information source 150 that may directly
communicate information related to weather condition associated with
motor vehicle 102 may be a sensor that can detect the presence of a
water-based precipitation or phenomena. Information source 150 may
include, but is not limited to, humidity sensor 151 and precipitation
sensor 152. Humidity sensor 151 and precipitation sensor 152 may be any
known type of sensors. Although motor vehicle 102 is shown as being
equipped with humidity sensor 151 and precipitation sensor 152, it will
be understood that humidity sensor 151 and/or precipitation sensor 152
are optional. In further embodiments, it will be also understood that
other information sources 157 may be other sensors that are equipped in
motor vehicle 102.

[0040] Humidity sensor 151 may communicate information regarding the
detection of a gaseous water-based phenomena in the surrounding
atmosphere. Gaseous water-based phenomena may include, but is not limited
to, dew, condensation, humidity, steam, and fog. In some embodiments,
humidity sensor 151 may communicate information regarding the presence of
a gaseous-water based phenomena in the atmosphere. Humidity sensor 151
may communicate information regarding the amount of a gaseous water-based
phenomena in the atmosphere. In some embodiments, humidity sensor 151 may
be configured to be part of a temperature sensor. In other embodiments,
humidity sensor 151 may be configured to be a separate sensor. Humidity
sensor 151 may also be configured to be part of other vehicle systems
such as windshield anti-fogging systems.

[0041] Precipitation sensor 152 may communicate information regarding the
presence of a liquid or solid water-based precipitation. Liquid and solid
water-based precipitation may include, but is not limited to, rain,
freezing rain, snow, hail, and ice. Precipitation sensor 152 may be
capable of communicating information regarding the presence of a liquid
or solid water-based precipitation. Precipitation sensor 152 may also
detect the amount of precipitation by detecting the falling rate. In some
embodiments, precipitation sensor 152 may be configured to be a component
of a wiper control system that controls the activation and speed of
windshield wipers. In other embodiments, precipitation sensor 152 may be
configured to be a separate sensor.

[0042] In other embodiments, information source 150 that may communicate
information related to operating condition of motor vehicle 102 may be a
vehicle system that is activated during the presence of a water-based
precipitation or phenomena. The activation, the length of activation, the
number of activations, and other information related to activations may
be used to infer the presence and/or amount of a water-based
precipitation. Information source 150 may include, but is not limited to:
windshield wiper system 153, traction control system 154, anti-slip
system 155, and anti-lock braking system (also referred to as "ABS
System") 156. Windshield wiper system 153, traction control system 154,
anti-slip system 155, and ABS system 156 may be any known type of vehicle
systems. Although motor vehicle 102 is shown as being equipped with
windshield wiper system 153, traction control system 154, anti-slip
system 155, and ABS system 156, windshield wiper system 153, traction
control system 154, anti-slip system 155, and ABS system 156 are
optional. In further embodiments, it will be also understood that other
information sources 157 may be other vehicle systems that are equipped in
motor vehicle 102.

[0043] Windshield wiper system 153 may communicate information regarding
the operation of windshield wipers of motor vehicle 102. In some
embodiments, the information may be regarding the activation of
windshield wipers. In other embodiments, the information may include the
length of activation of the windshield wipers. In further embodiments,
the information may include the operating speed of the windshield wipers.

[0044] In some embodiments, the presence of a water-based precipitation or
phenomena may be inferred from the activation of windshield wipers,
including the length of activation. In other embodiments, the amount
and/or type of a water-based precipitation or phenomena may be inferred
from the speed of the windshield wipers. For example, if the windshield
wipers are continuously operating at a high speed several minutes, a
liquid or solid water-based precipitation, such as rain or snow, is
falling heavily may be inferred.

[0045] In other embodiments, the presence of a water-based precipitation
or phenomena may be inferred from the activation of certain vehicle
systems that are typically activated in the presence of slippery surfaces
caused by water-based phenomena. A repeated activation of a system may
infer the presence of a water-based phenomena or precipitation. The
number of activations of a system may also infer the amount of a
water-based phenomena or precipitation. In some embodiments, the vehicle
system may be a safety system. The vehicle system may include, but is not
limited to, traction control system 154, anti-slip system 155, and ABS
system 156. In some embodiments, some or all of these systems may be a
separately operable. In other embodiments, some or all of these systems
may be integrated with other vehicle systems.

[0046] Traction control system 154 may communicate information regarding
the operation of traction control system 154. Traction control system 154
may assist in maintaining traction of motor vehicle 102 while driving on
slippery surfaces. In some embodiments, traction control system 154 may
sense drive-wheel slip under acceleration and brake the slipping wheel
and/or reduce excessive engine power until engine is regained. In some
embodiments, traction control system 154 may communicate information
regarding the activation of traction control system 154. In some
embodiments, the information may include the amount of activations. In
other embodiments, the information may include the length of activation.

[0047] Anti-slip system 155 may communicate information regarding the
operation of anti-slip system 155. Anti-slip system 155 may detect and
minimize skids and slides. The skids and slides may be associated with
side slip of either the front and rear wheels. Anti-slip system 155 may
apply the brakes to counter an oversteer or an understeer. In some
embodiments, anti-slip system 155 may communicate information regarding
the activation of anti-slip system 155. In some embodiments, the
information may include the amount of activations. In other embodiments,
the information may include the length of activation.

[0048] ABS system 156 may communicate information regarding the operation
of ABS system 156. ABS system 156 may be a safety system that prevents
the wheels on motor vehicle 102 from locking up while braking and may
decrease braking distance on slippery surfaces. In some embodiments, ABS
system 156 may communicate information regarding the activation of ABS
system 156. In some embodiments, the information may include the amount
of activations. In other embodiments, the information may include the
length of activation.

[0049] Motor vehicles associated with vehicle communication networks may
be configured to exchange information by transmitting and receiving a
wireless signal encoded with a message. In some embodiments, motor
vehicles may exchange basic safety messages (BSMs) via the vehicle
communication networks. In some cases, basic safety messages may include
information related to the position, dynamic motion, control and/or
vehicle size of the transmitting vehicle. In one embodiment, a BSM may
include information related to speed, location, heading, acceleration,
brake status, and other dynamic information associated with the
transmitting vehicle. In other cases, a basic safety message may include
additional information. In still other cases, a basic safety message may
include less information. By transmitting basic safety messages to
surrounding vehicles, each vehicle may exchange information that may be
useful in facilitating safety for each driver. In some cases, the
information contained in a basic safety message may then be utilized by a
particular vehicle to control a vehicle safety system, such as a
collision warning system. In an exemplary embodiment, the information
contained in a basic safety message may be utilized by a particular
vehicle to control other vehicle systems, such as a cabin air control
system as further described below.

[0050] Throughout this detailed discussion and in the claims, the term
"wireless signal" is used to describe a wireless signal that is encoded
with any collection or packet of information that is transmitted over a
vehicle communication network. The wireless signal may include BSMs or
may be encoded with additional or less information than a BSM. Wireless
signals may be encoded with any number of bytes of information or data.

[0051] Wireless signals may be transmitted as an electromagnetic wave. A
wave may be characterized by its amplitude and frequency. Amplitude
corresponds to the strength of the signal and may be measured by the
change between the peak (highest amplitude value) and a baseline X-axis
during one wave cycle. Frequency (F) is a number of cycles per unit time
(T)), and is calculated by taking the inverse of a length of time T
(F=1/T).

[0052] FIGS. 3-8 illustrate examples of vehicle-to-vehicle communication
under different weather conditions. Although a motor vehicle is shown
communicating with another motor vehicle, it will be understood that in
other embodiments a motor vehicle may be communicate with more than one
vehicle, a roadside unit, as well as other infrastructure units.

[0053]FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of vehicle-to-vehicle
communication under a low ambient moisture condition, such as sunny with
little or no humidity. Under ideal weather conditions, i.e., a low
ambient moisture condition, the strength of the wireless signal may not
deteriorate during transmission. As shown in FIG. 3, under low ambient
moisture condition 300, wireless communication device 304 of first motor
vehicle 302 may transmit wireless signal 306 to wireless communication
device 312 of second motor vehicle 310 with little or no deterioration.
Wireless signal 320 is transmitted from wireless communication device 304
as wave 306 and is received by wireless communication device 312 as wave
314. As shown in FIG. 3, the transmitted wave 306 has amplitude 2000 that
is substantially the same as amplitude 2002 of the received wave 314.

[0054] However, wireless signals may change during transmission. The
signal may deteriorate during the transmission. The strength of the
signal may decrease between transmission and reception. Wireless signals
may attenuate during transmission. Attenuation may be illustrated by the
reduction in amplitude in the received wireless signal from the
transmitted wireless signal. Wireless signals may attenuate during
transmission due to any number of factors, including, but not limited to,
the distance between the wireless communication devices and environment
through which the wireless signal transmits. For example, wireless
signals may become weaker the farther the wireless signal travels. Also,
weather and travel conditions may affect the strength of a transmitted
wireless signal. Ambient moisture may cause attenuation of wireless
signal during transmission. Presence of ambient moisture may increase the
possibility of attenuation of wireless signals during transmission.

[0055] The amount of attenuation due to ambient moisture depends on
several factors. Factors that may affect attenuation include, but are not
limited to, the type of ambient moisture, the amount of ambient moisture,
the distance the wireless signal travels through the ambient moisture,
and the frequency of the transmitted wireless signal. Attenuation caused
by ambient moisture may be stronger at specific frequencies.

[0056] FIGS. 4-8 illustrate embodiments of vehicle-to-vehicle
communication that occur during a high ambient moisture condition, such
as water-based precipitation and phenomena. Although FIGS. 4-8 illustrate
a high ambient moisture condition such as rain, it will be understood
that the high ambient moisture condition may be any water-based
precipitation or phenomena. In other embodiments, the high ambient
moisture condition may include, but is not limited to: rain, dew,
condensation, humidity, steam, fog, ice, sleet, hail, and snow.

[0057]FIG. 4 illustrates an example of how the presence of ambient
moisture may negatively impact a transmitted wireless signal. As shown in
FIG. 4, high ambient moisture condition 400 may cause wireless signal 420
to attenuate during transmission. Wireless communication device 404 of
first motor vehicle 402 may transmit wireless signal 420 as wave 406 with
amplitude 2000 to wireless communication device 412 of second vehicle
410. However, wireless communication device 412 of second motor vehicle
410 may receive wireless signal 420 as wave 414 with amplitude 2004 that
is smaller than amplitude 2000. Presence of ambient moisture may cause
reduction in the strength of wireless signal 420 as illustrated by
smaller amplitude 2006 of received wireless signal 420 illustrated by
wave 414.

[0058] FIGS. 5-8 illustrate embodiments of how transmitter and receiver
parameters of a wireless communication device may be adjusted to
compensate for the ambient moisture. The adjusted parameters may improve
the reception performance of the transmitted wireless signal. The
adjustment of the parameters may be adjusted according to presence, type,
and/or amount of ambient moisture to mitigate the effects of ambient
moisture on wireless signals. It will be understood that the type and
amount of adjustment of the operating parameters illustrated in FIGS. 5-8
are for explanatory purposes only. The operating parameters may be
adjusted to be proportional to the ambient moisture condition.

[0059] Attenuation may be compensated by the transmitting wireless
communication device adjusting the transmitter parameters. Referring to
FIGS. 5 and 6, in some embodiments, the transmitting wireless
communication device may adjust power and transmission rate of the
outgoing wireless signal. Although FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate an embodiment
of a wireless communication device that adjusts the power and
transmission rate parameters, respectively, it will be understood that in
other embodiments, a wireless communication device may modify additional
transmitter parameters. Examples of additional transmitter parameters,
include, but are not limited to, operating voltage, modulation factor,
and gain. Also, in other embodiments, a wireless communication device may
modify any one or combination of transmitter parameters and receiver
parameters, described below.

[0060] A wireless communication device transmitting the wireless signal
may adjust the power of the transmitting wireless signal to compensate
for attenuation thereby mitigating the negative affect an ambient
moisture condition may have on reception performance. Increasing power
may increase the amplitude of the outgoing wireless signal. The increase
in amplitude may compensate for the potential reduction in amplitude
during transmission of the wireless signal so that the received signal
has the minimum amplitude required for proper reception performance.

[0061]FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of a wireless communication device
that adjusts the power of the outgoing wireless signal. Referring to FIG.
5, wireless communication device 504 may increase the power of the
outgoing wireless signal 520 to compensate for attenuation caused by high
ambient moisture condition 500. Wireless communication device 504 of
first motor vehicle 502 may transmit wireless signal 520 as wave 506 with
amplitude 2010 to wireless communication device 512 of second vehicle
510. First wireless communication device 504 may increase the power from
power 408 shown in FIG. 4 to power 508 of transmitted wireless signal
520. The increase of power may be illustrated by the increase in
amplitude. As shown in FIG. 5, wave 506 has amplitude 2010 that is larger
than amplitude 2000 of wave 406.

[0062] Like wireless signal 420, during transmission, strength of wireless
signal 520 may reduce due to the presence of ambient moisture causing the
received wireless signal 520, illustrated as wave 514, to have amplitude
2012. However, the increase in amplitude 2010 of transmitted wave 506 by
increasing the power to power 508 compensates for the signal attenuation
caused by high ambient moisture condition 500. Received wave 514 may have
amplitude 2012 that substantially corresponds to the amplitude 2000 of
wave 406. Received wave 514 may thus be received by wireless
communication device 512 without a reduction in reception performance.

[0063] Attenuation may also be more likely to occur at certain
frequencies. Adjusting the transmission rate of a transmitting wireless
communication device may change the frequency of the outgoing wireless
signal. By changing the frequency of the outgoing wireless signal,
attenuation may be mitigated.

[0064] FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of a wireless communication device
that adjusts the frequency of the outgoing wireless signal. Like FIGS. 4
and 5, the vehicle communication is occurring during high ambient
moisture condition 600. Wireless communication device 604 of first motor
vehicle 602 may transmit wireless signal 620 as wave 606 with a higher
frequency to wireless communication device 612 of second vehicle 612.
Wireless communication device 604 may increase the frequency by adjusting
the transmission rate of wireless signal 620.

[0065] Wave 606 has a higher frequency than wave 406. Although wave 606 is
illustrated as having one more wavelength that occurs during time period
3000, in other embodiments, wave 606 may be adjusted to have any
frequency that may reduce the possibility of attenuation due to ambient
moisture. Adjustments of the frequency of wave 606 may be proportional to
the ambient moisture condition.

[0066] By increasing frequency of the transmitted wireless signal,
potential for attenuation may decrease. Received wave 614 may have
amplitude 2022 that may be substantially the same as amplitude 2020 of
transmitted wave 606 because attenuation may not occur at the transmitted
frequency. Received wave 614 thus may received by wireless communication
device 612 without a reduction in reception performance.

[0067] Attenuation may also be compensated by a receiving wireless
communication device adjusting its receiver parameters. Referring to
FIGS. 7 and 8, in some embodiments, a wireless communication device may
adjust the sensitivity or gain to increase the ability of a wireless
communication device to process a received signal. Increasing the
sensitivity of a wireless communication device may increase the ability
of a wireless communication device to process received signals of a lower
magnitude because the wireless communication device may better
differentiate the received signal from background noise. Increasing the
gain of a wireless communication device may increase the ability of a
wireless Although FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate an embodiment of a wireless
communication device that adjusts sensitivity and gain, respectively, a
wireless communication device may modify additional receiver parameters,
such as power supply. Also, in other embodiments, a wireless
communication device may modify any one or combination of receiver
parameters and transmitter parameters.

[0068] In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 7, a wireless communication
device may increase the sensitivity of the receiving wireless
communication device so that it may receive wireless signals that may
have been attenuated during transmission. Like FIGS. 4-6, wireless signal
720 may attenuate during transmission due to high ambient moisture
condition 700. Wireless communication device 704 of first motor vehicle
702 may transmit wireless signal 720 as wave 706 with amplitude 2000 to
wireless device 712 of second motor vehicle 710. Wireless communication
device 712 may receive wireless signal 700 as wave 714 with amplitude
2030 that is smaller than amplitude 2000 of wave 706. However, wireless
communication device 712 may receive an attenuated signal without a
reduction in reception performance because second wireless communication
device 712 increased its sensitivity 716 to receiving wireless signals.

[0069] In other embodiments, referring to FIG. 8, a wireless communication
device may increase the gain of the receiving wireless communication
device so that it may receive wireless signals that may have been
attenuated during transmission. Like FIGS. 4-7, wireless signal 820 may
attenuate during transmission due to high ambient moisture condition 800.
Wireless communication device 812 of second wireless device 810 of second
motor vehicle 810 may receive wireless signal 8200 as wave 814 with
amplitude 2032 that is smaller than amplitude 2000 of transmitted wave
806 from wireless communication device 804 of first motor vehicle 802.
However, attenuation of wireless signal 800 may not reduce reception
performance because second wireless communication device 812 increased
its gain 816 by increasing intensity in a direction of transmitting
wireless signals.

[0070]FIG. 9 illustrates a process for using the vehicle and/or weather
information received from information sources to adjust the transmitter
and/or receiver parameters of wireless communication device of a motor
vehicle. In some embodiments, some of the following steps could be
accomplished by ECU 120. In other embodiments, some of the following
steps could be accomplished by wireless communication device 130. In
addition, in other embodiments, some of the steps could be performed by
other components of motor vehicle 102. For purposes of clarity, wireless
communication system 100 may be used to refer collectively to ECU 120 and
wireless communication device 130. In other words, steps performed by
wireless communication system 100 may be performed by either ECU 120 or
wireless communication device 130 in the following embodiments. It will
be understood that in other embodiments, one or more of the following
steps may be options.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 9, during step 902, wireless communication system
100 may receive vehicle and/or weather information. In some embodiments,
the information may relate to a weather condition. In some embodiments,
the weather condition may be detected by a sensor of motor vehicle 102.
In other embodiments, the weather condition may be associated with a
location of motor vehicle 102. In further embodiments, the information
may relate to an operating status of a vehicle system of motor vehicle
102.

[0072] In some embodiments, information may be received from information
source 150. In other embodiments, the information may be received from
GPS receiver 110. As discussed above, in some cases, information source
150 may include, but is not limited to, information sources 151-157 shown
in FIG. 2.

[0073] During step 904, wireless communication system 100 may use the
received information to determine an ambient moisture condition at step
904. As discussed above, in some cases, wireless communication system 100
may directly receive information regarding an amount or presence of an
ambient moisture condition. In other cases, wireless communication system
100 may infer an amount or presence of an ambient moisture condition
based on the information received. In some embodiments, information
regarding an activation of vehicle safety systems may be used to infer an
ambient moisture condition.

[0075] FIG. 10 illustrates an embodiment of a system for determining an
ambient moisture condition based on received information and adjusting
the operating parameters of a communication wireless device based on the
determined ambient moisture condition. All of the following information
sources of system 1000 and type of information are optional. Some
embodiments may include a given information source or type of
information, while others may exclude it. The following description
discloses many of the possible information sources and types of
information that may be used, however, it should be kept in mind that not
every information source or type of information must be used or included
in a given embodiment.

[0076] In some embodiments, sensor(s) 1002 may transmit information 1010.
Sensor(s) 1002 may include any number of sensors. In some embodiments,
sensor(s) 1002 may include some or all of information source 150 shown in
FIG. 2: humidity sensor 151 and precipitation sensor 152. In other
embodiments, sensor(s) 1002 may include one, some or all sensors that are
different from sensors 151 and 152. Sensor(s) 1002 may directly detect
and transmit information 1010. In some embodiments, information 1010 may
be related to a detected weather condition.

[0077] In other embodiments, vehicle network 1004, or in the alternative,
may transmit information 1010. In some embodiments, vehicle network 1004
may be the same as vehicle network 140. In other embodiments, vehicle
network 1004 may be different from vehicle network 140.

[0079] In other embodiments, information 1010 may be transmitted via
wireless signal 1008. Wireless signal 1008 may be transmitted from
another communication device. The communication device may be a mobile
device, such as a cellular phone, and/or may be from another vehicle
and/or roadside communication device.

[0080] In some embodiments, information 1010 may include humidity level
information 1011, precipitation level information 1012, windshield wiper
status information 1013, traction control system status information 1014,
anti-slip system status information 1015, ABS system status information
1016, as well as any other vehicle and/or weather related information
1017. Information 1011-1017 is optional. In some embodiments, information
1010 may include one, some or all information 1011-1017. In other
embodiments, information 1010 may include different vehicle data or
information in addition to or in the alternative of information
1011-1017.

[0081] In some embodiments, humidity level information 1011 may include
presence and/or the relative amount of humidity, such as low, medium,
high or very high level of humidity. In other embodiments, humidity level
information 1011 may include a quantitative amount of humidity.

[0082] In some embodiments, precipitation level information 1012 may
include information regarding the presence and/or type of water-based
precipitation or phenomena. In other embodiments, precipitation level
information 1012 may also include information regarding the relative or
quantitative amount of a water-based precipitation or phenomena.

[0083] In some embodiments, windshield wiper status information 1013 may
include information regarding the operation status of windshield wipers.
In some embodiments, the operation status may include the activation of
the windshield wipers and/or the length of the activation. In other
embodiments, the operation status may also include the operating speed of
the windshield wipers.

[0084] In some embodiments, traction control system status information
1014 may include information regarding the operation status of the
traction control system. In some embodiments, the operation status may
include the activation of the traction control system and/or the length
of the activation. In other embodiments, the operation status may also
include the frequency of the operation of the traction control system.

[0085] In some embodiments, anti-slip system status information 1015 may
include information regarding the operation status of the anti-slip
system. In some embodiments, the operation status may include the
activation of the anti-slip system and/or the length of the activation.
In other embodiments, the operation status may also include the frequency
of the operation of the anti-slip system.

[0086] In some embodiments, ABS system status information 1016 may include
information regarding the operation status of an ABS system. In some
embodiments, the operation status may include the activation of the ABS
system and/or the length of the activation. In other embodiments, the
operation status may also include the frequency of the operation of the
ABS system.

[0087] In some embodiments, other vehicle information and/or weather
related information 1017 may include other information regarding
water-based precipitation or phenomena. In some embodiments, the
information may be related to detected weather condition. In other
embodiments, the information may be related to activation of other
vehicle safety systems. In further embodiments, information may include
information regarding the location of the motor vehicle.

[0088] In some embodiments, received information 1010 may be used to
determine an ambient moisture condition. System 1000 may include ambient
moisture determiner 1030 to determine an ambient moisture condition in
the surrounding atmosphere of motor vehicle 102. Ambient moisture
determiner 1030 may use some or all of received information 1010 when
determining an ambient moisture condition.

[0089] In some embodiments, ambient moisture determiner 1030 may include a
processor. Ambient moisture determiner 1030 may be configured as a part
of communication system 100. In some embodiments, ambient moisture
determiner 1030 may be configured as a part of ECU 120. In some
embodiments, ambient moisture determiner 1030 may be configured as a part
of wireless communication controller 1040. Ambient moisture determiner
1030 may be configured as a part of wireless communication device 1050.
In other embodiments, ambient moisture determiner 1030 may be configured
as a separate component from communication system 100.

[0090] In some embodiments, ambient moisture determiner 1030 may determine
the presence of an ambient moisture condition based on received
information 1010. In some embodiments, ambient moisture determiner 1030
may determine a presence of an ambient moisture condition based on
information directly related to a detected weather condition. In some
embodiments, ambient moisture determiner 1030 may determine a presence of
an ambient moisture condition based on received humidity level
information 1011 and/or precipitation level information 1012. In other
embodiments, ambient moisture determiner 1030 may determine the presence
of an ambient moisture condition based on other weather related
information 1017.

[0091] In other embodiments, ambient moisture determiner 1030 may infer
the presence of an ambient moisture condition based on received
information 1010. Ambient moisture determiner 1030 may infer the presence
of an ambient moisture condition based on operating status of at least
one vehicle system. In some embodiments, ambient moisture determiner 1030
may infer an ambient moisture condition based on windshield wiper status
information 1013, traction control system status information 1014,
anti-slip system status 1015 and/or ABS system status 1016. In other
embodiments, ambient moisture determiner 1030 may infer the presence of
an ambient moisture condition based on other vehicle information 1017
related to the operation status of other vehicle systems of motor vehicle
102.

[0092] In other embodiments, ambient moisture determiner 1030 may
determine a relative or quantitative estimate of the amount of an ambient
moisture condition based on information 1010 received. In some
embodiments, ambient moisture determiner 1030 may infer relative amounts
of precipitation by analyzing information 1010 regarding the operation
status of the motor vehicle, such as windshield wiper status information
1013, traction control system status information 1014, anti-slip system
status 1015, and/or ABS system 1016. In other embodiments, ambient
moisture determiner 1030 may receive information regarding the
quantitative estimate of the amount of an ambient moisture condition by
analyzing information 1010 regarding the weather condition, such as
humidity level information 1011 and precipitation level information 1012.

[0093] In further embodiments, ambient moisture determiner 1030 may
determine the type of an ambient moisture condition based on received
information 1010. In some embodiments, ambient moisture determiner 1030
may determine the type of an ambient moisture condition by analyzing
information 1010 regarding the operation status of the motor vehicle
and/or weather condition.

[0094] In other embodiments, ambient moisture determiner 1030 may
determine the presence, amount and/or type of an ambient moisture
condition based on the geographic location of wireless communication
device 1050. Ambient moisture determiner 1030 may determine an ambient
moisture condition based on information 1010 received by GPS 1006.
Ambient moisture determiner 1030 may access a data network to receive
information related to the weather condition and/or ambient moisture
condition associated with the geographic location of wireless
communication device 1050. In some embodiments, the data network may be
provided on the internet. In other embodiments, the data network may be
provided on a cellular network. The ambient moisture determiner 1030 may
access the data network by the wireless communication device 1050 or
another communication device. The other communication device may be any
communication device configured to communicate and access a data network.

[0095] In some embodiments, the other communication device is configured
to be a part and/or connected to communication system 100 or may be
connected to a vehicle network 140. The other communication device may be
separate from communication system 100 and/or vehicle network. In other
embodiments, the other communication device may mobile. In some
embodiments, the other communication device may be a cellular phone.

[0096] Referring to FIG. 10 again, the ambient moisture determined by
ambient moisture determiner 1030 may be sent to other vehicle systems.
The ambient moisture determiner 1030 may be used by wireless
communication controller 1040 that controls the transmitter and/or
receiver parameters of wireless communication device 1050. Wireless
communication controller 1040 may include a processor. Wireless
communication controller 1040 may be configured as a part of wireless
communication system 100. In some embodiments, wireless communication
controller 1040 may be configured as a part of ECU 120. In other
embodiments, wireless communication controller 1040 may be configured as
a part of wireless communication device 1050. In further embodiments,
wireless communication controller 1040 may be configured as a separate
component from communication system 100.

[0097] In some embodiments, wireless communication device 1050 may be the
same as wireless communication device 130. In other embodiments, wireless
communication device 1050 may be different.

[0099] The adjustments may compensate for attenuation caused by the
determined ambient moisture condition. In some embodiments, wireless
communication controller 1040 may improve reception performance of a
wireless signal by adjusting receiver parameters 1060 according to the
determined ambient moisture condition. Receiver parameters 1060 may
include any one or combination of, but are not limited to, sensitivity
1062, gain 1064, as well as other receiver parameters 1066. In other
embodiments, wireless communication controller 1040, in addition to, or
in the alternative, may improve reception performance by adjusting
transmitter parameters 1070 according to the determined ambient moisture
condition. Transmitter parameters 1070 may include any one or combination
of, but are not limited to, power 1072, transmission rate 1074 as well as
other transmitter parameters 1076.

[0101] In some embodiments, wireless communication controller 1040 may
adjust power 1072 to adjust the amplitude of the transmitted wireless
signals. Wireless communication controller 1040 may adjust the amplitude
of the transmitted wireless signals to an amplitude that would compensate
for the attenuation caused by the determined ambient moisture condition.
Wireless communication controller 1040 may increase the amplitude of the
transmitted wireless signals by increasing the power of an electrical
signal sent to wireless communication device 1050.

[0102] In other embodiments, wireless communication controller 1040 may
modify transmission rate 1074 of outgoing wireless signals. Wireless
communication controller 1040 may modify the frequency of outgoing
wireless signals. Wireless communication controller 1040 may adjust the
frequency of outgoing wireless signals to a frequency that is less
susceptible to attenuation caused by ambient moisture than an initial
frequency.

[0103] The steps in the methods discussed above may be performed in any
order. The steps need not be performed in the order shown in the figures
or in the order described above. The order of steps in some methods may
be altered in some embodiments.

[0104] While various embodiments have been described, the description is
intended to be exemplary, rather than limiting. It will be apparent to
those of ordinary skill in the art that many more embodiments and
implementations are possible that are within the scope of the claims.
Accordingly, the embodiments are not to be restricted except in light of
the attached claims and their equivalents. Also, various modifications
and changes may be made within the scope of the attached claims.

Patent applications by Sue Bai, Novi, MI US

Patent applications by HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.

Patent applications in class Plural processors or external processor

Patent applications in all subclasses Plural processors or external processor